related

"Being able to walk or hop on the local bus to the Village or Whistler Creek and other regional areas allows more time to enjoy the social activities in the community," says Kathy. "Our current and future retirees plus seniors are an important part of the social fabric of the Whistler community — I want to help them stay here for as long as they can."

Kathy has over 20 years of real estate career experience and has enjoyed living in Whistler and Vancouver Island communities, along with being a BC real estate course instructor, since 2007.

We asked Kathy what you need to do before you sell and move to a right-size home.

"Start early," Kathy says, "and have a plan. For example, if you'd like to stay in your current home for the next one to two years, let's look at de-cluttering your home, giving the kids some furniture now rather than later, and let's make sure your home is safe and comfortable."

Taking care of those minor repairs that we all put off doing is a good first step.

"Not only could it make your house safer to live in," Kathy says, "but you could end up losing money when you're ready to sell if they're not done."

While the right-sizing process can seem overwhelming at the start, Kathy emphasizes that you don't need to go it alone.

As a member of Mature Action Community www.whistlermac.org Kathy encourages residents to connect and engage with their activities and advocacy. Kathy also sees many 50-plus tourism visitors who may look to retire in Whistler from other areas of Canada, Europe, Seattle and Vail Resorts too!

"The services I offer include coming into your home with a de-cluttering expert and a renovator. We come up with a plan so you can tackle things in stages. When ready to sell, I can provide you with a comparative market analysis to help you buy a cozy home in Whistler or move closer to family. Alternatively, I can connect a client with organizations to assist with in-home care and other medical service professionals, as needed."

Another benefit of right-sizing is the ability to release some of the equity in your family home.

"They run hand-in-hand," says Kathy. "Instead of borrowing against your home, let's take the equity and get ahead of the game for the next chapter in your life, whether that's travelling or just engaging with the community you love by being able to walk everywhere.

“It's never too early to start planning."

To discuss your right-sizing options, call Kathy White (cell: 250.729.1182) or through Thornhill Real Estate Group at 604.932.1875 or 877.747.1333. You can check out Kathy's website at www.kathywhite.ca or visit the Thornhill offices at 325-2063 Lake Placid Road, or 36-4314 Main Street, Whistler, BC.